NeuralMiles shows a full-scale excavator driven by an Xbox controller in seven days

Bengaluru-based NeuralMiles has demonstrated remote control of a full-scale excavator using an Xbox controller in seven days, according to Startuppedia on October 9, 2026. The team also completed a dig-and-dump cycle on the machine, an early proof point for using teleoperation on heavy equipment common in construction and mining.

Co-founders Nakul Agarwal (CEO) and Deep Boliya (CTO) list IIT Bombay backgrounds on the company site, including roles with IITB Racing. NeuralMiles says it supplies a retrofit kit plus remote operators so existing excavators can be teleoperated. On its site, the company claims about one hour for retrofit and commissioning on tested machines, with site assessment and preparation treated as separate steps.

Startuppedia reported that the team also built a retrofitted drive-by-wire system in 20 days, translating electronic commands into machine movement through a remote interface. The company positions remote operation as available today, with autonomy for defined excavation tasks described as in development and longer operating windows as a longer-term goal. Teleoperation keeps a human in the loop from a safer location. Full autonomy would require further sensing, validation and safety work beyond the Xbox demo.